The City of Greater Geelong has stationed a Transport Accident Commission (TAC) L2P program fleet vehicle in Ocean Grove via a partnership with Lions Clubs on the Bellarine.
It has been made possible thanks to the support of Lions Clubs Leopold, Ocean Grove Barwon Heads, Portarlington-Drysdale, Queenscliff Point Lonsdale, and Community Bank Leopold.
The car, a Kia Rio, is located in Ocean Grove, providing opportunities for Ocean Grove L-platers to clock up supervised driving hours.
Ocean Grove currently has five learners and seven mentors engaged in the TAC L2P program.
The TAC L2P program pairs young people between the ages of 16 and 21 (and in some circumstances, up to 23) with fully licenced volunteer driving mentors in supervised driving sessions.
The program aims to help young people who may not otherwise have access to a vehicle or licenced driver.
The program, funded by the Transport Accident Commission, is administered by the Department of Transport and Planning and coordinated by the City of Greater Geelong.
During the past financial year, 202 learner drivers participated in and 56 learners graduated from the program, successfully obtaining their probationary licence.
City of Greater Geelong Mayor Stretch Kontelj OAM said the program is important for young people across Greater Geelong who need support in obtaining supervised driving hours.
“Having a car in Ocean Grove improves access to the program for learners and mentors living in the area. Previously, the closest vehicle was over 20 minutes away, so it’s valuable to have an accessible location for young drivers to get the experience they need behind the wheel,” Mayor Kontelj said.
“We greatly appreciate this generous contribution to help the local youth become safe, confident drivers.”
Leopold Lions Club president Rhiannon Russell, who’s club coordinated the three-year funding arrangement, said the L2P program was deserving of the support as it offered young people an opportunity to obtain a driver’s licence which otherwise may be beyond their reach.
“The L2P program certainly qualifies for the Lions organisation’s mantra of caring for and aiding the community,” Ms Russell said.
Community Bank Leopold secretary Bronwyn Shearer said the bank was proud to support the Lions clubs with funding over three years for the Geelong TAC L2P Program.
“Our commitment in working together to meet the needs of our community is well established and we are pleased to be involved in such a worthwhile project,” she said.
The City’s TAC L2P program has nine cars and 110 registered volunteer mentors around Greater Geelong and the City is actively seeking additional mentors to join the program.
